The Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its first Lunch and Learn session of the year on
March 13 at the Charles R. Hill Community Center. Guest speakers were April Yost and Dustin
Beckner from Star City Rehabilitation and Nursing.
and Dustin Beckner of Star City Rehabilitation and Nursing were the guest speakers for the
Vinton Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn session on March 13. They were introduced by
Chamber Executive Director Angie Chewning (on left). (photo by Debbie Adams)
Yost is the Director of Admissions at Star City, which is located near Vinton on Mecca Street in
Roanoke. The center (formerly Richfield Living) opened in 2020 and features a hotel-like
environment on three floors with 116 beds and an array of different services. There are separate
areas dedicated to memory care, long term care, and rehabilitation. The goal at Star City is to
focus on independence and the quality of life.
Yost spoke about the rehabilitation department which keeps residents as active as possible, on a
daily basis, and includes services 24/7.
Beckner, Star City’s speech therapist, detailed specific therapy services with four physical
therapists, and two occupational therapists, in addition to speech.
The facility houses a therapy gym with a small kitchen so that residents may practice preparing
their own meals at home. There is a laundry room to help reinforce those skills. Before they are
dismissed to home care, residents visit their homes with personnel from Star City to determine
how they are able to function in their home environment and what adjustments/assistance might
be needed to make the home more accessible.
Socialization is encouraged with the household model of dining—all together—and group
activities. According to Beckner, Wi Bowling is all the rage at Star City. Specialized equipment
is available to meet every need from DST parallel bars, to the Rifton TRAM transfer and
mobility training device, to core strengthening equipment.
Star City works with residents and their families on family training to determine goals, necessary
services, and assistance in preparing to return home.
All the facility’s rooms are private. Most insurance is accepted.
The luncheon was catered by Pok-E-Joe’s BBQ.
~Vinton Messenger staff report
